Walk in the Light
Ephesians 5:8-14
As we move forward in this fifth chapter of Ephesians, we continue to be reminded of the lives we are to live in Christ. Our text today is a continuation of the thoughts from the preceding verses. If we are to walk in a way that pleases the Lord, we must walk in love; we must walk in righteousness, and we must walk in the light.
One cannot approach this passage apart from a reminder that Jesus is the Light of the world. He came into a world consumed with darkness and revealed the glorious light of God. John 8:12 – Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. Those who follow Christ no longer walk in darkness, but walk in the light of Christ. 1 John 1:7 – But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. Clearly, if we are to please the Lord, walking in fellowship with Him and with one another, we must walk in the light. This is not optional – we must walk in the light.
As we examine the certainties revealed in the text, I want to consider the challenge to: Walk in the Light.
I. The Witness of the Light (8-10) – Here Paul discusses the witness of the light in our lives. Those who walk in the light will reveal that light unto the world. Notice:
A. The Association (8a) – For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord. We discover yet another reminder of the differences between our lives prior to salvation and the life we now live in Christ. We walked in darkness, having no desire for the light. In fact, Jesus declared that men love darkness rather than light because their deeds are evil, John 3:19. Following salvation, our lives are no longer associated with the darkness of sin, but walking in the light of Christ.
As one examines the text, Paul presents a profound thought – but now are you light in the Lord. We know that Jesus declared that He was the Light of the World; and here Paul declares that we are light in the Lord. Those who belong to the Lord have become light among the darkness. His light must shine forth from our lives. This is not a new concept revealed by Paul’s teaching. Jesus also declared, in regard to the believer, that we are also lights in the world. Matt. 5:14,16 – Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
B. The Admonition (8b) – walk as children of light. This is simple and yet profound. We are called to walk as children of the light. In reality, this makes sense, doesn’t it? We are filled with the light of Christ at conversion. It stands to reason that we ought to walk and live in such a way that reflects the light within. However, if we do not commit to walking in the light, the light within will grow dim and lose the potential for the brightness it should reveal. In Matthew 5 again, Jesus declared that men do not light a candle and place it under a basket, but they put it on a candlestick so that it will reveal light for those within the house. If our light is to shine as the Lord intends, we must walk in the light, revealing the light of Christ for the world to see. Our light is derived from him — not a ray of it comes from ourselves. But somehow our incorporation in Christ allows us to actually be light, however imperfect, Hughes. (i)
C. The Demonstration (9) – For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth. Those who walk in the light will reveal fruit consistent with the Light. If one is truly walking in the light, these fruits will be apparent in their lives. If you are curious whether one is walking in the light or not, look for these fruits to be evident in their daily walk. Those who walk in the light will continually demonstrate goodness. This has the idea of a person of character and virtue, moral excellence. Those who walk in the light will also reveal righteousness – their conduct and disposition will be consistent with the righteousness of God. Finally, one who walks in the light will display truth. Truth has to do with honesty, reliability, trustworthiness, and integrity—in contrast to the hypocritical, deceptive, and false ways of the old life of darkness, MacArthur. (ii)
D. The Confirmation (10) – Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. How does one know for certain that he/she is walking in the light? Paul declares those who walk in the light, particularly in all goodness, righteousness, and truth will have the ability to prove, or discern, what is acceptable unto the Lord. The Spirit will bear witness with our spirit regarding our behavior, thoughts, and decisions. As we walk with the Lord, we have a discerning spirit in regard to living in a way that pleases the Lord. One will not have to seek counsel from the world; those walking in the light will have a proper attitude and commitment to living in the light. Is this behavior acceptable to the Lord? That question is the criterion for judging conduct. The criterion is not personal preference, and whether or not the world approves does not matter. The Christian judges conduct according to whether or not the Lord approves it, Phillips. (iii)
II. The Exposure of the Light (11-12) – Paul reveals that as one walks in the light, the pathway is illuminated, offering sound guidance in this journey of life. Consider:
A. The Challenge (11) – And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. As is so often the case, Paul doesn’t dance around the issue at hand. He challenges those who walk in the light to allow the light to guide their path, steering clear of the unfruitful works of darkness. In fact, he admonishes the believer to have no fellowship with these works, and by implication those who engage in such activities. We are children of the light, called to walk in the light, and should have no fellowship or association with the works of darkness. One must watch the company they keep and the activities they choose to engage.
Not only are we to avoid such activities, we are also challenged to reprove them. We are called to confront, expose, and discipline such activities. This is clearly not a “go along to get along” strategy. As children of the light, we are called to expose the works of darkness, confronting these works rather than tolerating and embracing them for the sake of acceptance within the culture. We must not hesitate to stand with the Word of God. If God declares something sinful, regardless of what culture may assume, we must agree with the Word and define it as sinful.
B. The Conviction (12) – For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. One would have to agree that light will expose what is hidden by darkness. It is evident that our world is filled with darkness and sinful deeds. Paul declares that those who walk in the light must guard their lives, seeking to avoid the works of darkness at all costs. In fact, some works of darkness are so vile and depraved that we should avoid even speaking of such activities.
This challenged me to use caution in what I surround myself with and allow to enter my mind through sight, touch, and sound. If such deeds are so dreadful that we should avoid discussing them, surely one would agree that we must be careful with what we allow into our lives. The enemy likes to expose us to the lusts and temptations of this world, seeking a moment of weakness in our lives. As we walk in the light, may we always be aware of our surroundings.
III. The Wisdom in the Light (13-14) – Finally, Paul deals with the wisdom available for those who walk in the light. If one is to effectively walk in the light, wisdom is essential. Notice:
A. The Illumination (13) – But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. Paul reveals a truth we all should know, but it offers a stirring reminder. The Word makes truth manifest to us – visible and apparent. Those things that are exposed and reproved in our lives are exposed and reproved through the light. It seems apparent that Paul is referring to the light of God’s Word. One cannot expect to walk in the light apart from adherence to the Word. The Word serves to guide and illuminate our path. His Word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path.
We are not as the world, groping around in the darkness for guidance and direction. We are people of light and are called to adjust our lives as the Word reveals truth unto us. As the Word reveals sin in our lives, we are called to abandon that path and continue in the light.
B. The Reception (14) – Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. Here Paul is paraphrasing Isaiah 60:1-2. What must one do when the light exposes sin and reveals truth? Those who are in Christ can trust the Lord to provide the light necessary to walk in a way that pleases Him. However, we must not overlook our responsibility to respond to the light we have received. The Word reveals sin in our lives while offering guidance in the right path. We must arise from our sleep of complacence and indulgence in order to receive the truth the light has exposed so we may walk in the light. The Christian should not walk as before. He no longer walks in darkness, but now walks in the path illuminated by the Light.
Conclusion: Again, consider the words of Christ. Matt. 5:14-16 – Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Are you walking in the light today? If so, is your light shining for the glory of God? Do others see the light in you? If you are yet unsaved, you continue to walk in darkness. Why not come to Jesus today, repent of sin and by faith believe on Him unto salvation. He can deliver you from darkness into His glorious light.
i. R. Kent Hughes, Ephesians: The Mystery of the Body of Christ, Preaching the Word (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books, 1990), 164.
ii. John F. MacArthur Jr., Ephesians, MacArthur New Testament Commentary (Chicago: Moody Press, 1986), 210.
iii. John Phillips, Exploring Ephesians & Philippians: An Expository Commentary, The John Phillips Commentary Series (Kregel Publications; WORDsearch Corp., 2009), Eph 5:10.
